Vibes to mix favorites, first-timers

Sean Spillane

Updated 9:12 pm, Wednesday, March 19, 2014

John Fogerty performs onstage at "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash" presented by SiriusXM, produced by Howard Stern Productions at Hammerstein Ballroom on January 31, 2014 in New York City.

Photo: Kevin Mazur, Getty Images For SiriusXM

John Fogerty performs onstage at "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash"...

John Fogerty performs onstage at "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash" presented by SiriusXM, produced by Howard Stern Productions at Hammerstein Ballroom on January 31, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Kevin Mazur, Getty Images For SiriusXM

John Fogerty performs onstage at "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash"...

John Hermann, Dave Schools, John Bell, Jimmy Herring, Todd Nance, and Domingo Ortiz of Widespread Panic pose for a portrait at All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman at The Fox Theatre on January 10, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images For Blackbird Produ

When the Gathering of the Vibes announced its initial lineup over the weekend, music fans immediately started talking about which acts they were most excited to see when the festival returns to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, July 31 through Aug. 3.

When you have as varied a lineup as the Vibes annually presents, there never seems to be a consensus as to which bands are the biggest attractions.

"Yeah, and we're never going to get that to happen," Vibes founder Ken Hays said with a laugh. "But we do the best that we can.

"I think this year's lineup stays true to our roots, but at the same time we're extending our branches into giving concert-goers some unique, first-time experiences."

Though primarily known for presenting the best acts on the jam-band circuit, Hays and his staff have continued to expand the music selection to include rock, funk, folk, reggae, bluegrass and even some electronic dance music. One of this year's headliners, The Disco Biscuits, was ranked 26th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of most influential artists in electronic dance music.

"It's been 13 years since they've played the Vibes, and the last time they played the Vibes at Seaside Park was 1999, so it's been quite a while, and we're thrilled to welcome them back to Seaside," Hays said. "They do very few tours these days, and the majority of those are a short run of shows."

"It's going to get weird," Kreutzmann said in an interview with Rolling Stone. "It's going to get far out. And it's going to be something completely different. Exactly what all involved parties are known for."

Kreutzmann and Hart haven't performed together since playing with Rhythm Devils at the 2011 Vibes.

Having put together the lineup, Hays is obviously familiar with the bands he signs. Still, he did admit that the performance from Fogerty is one of those he is looking forward to the most.

"The man's a legend," he said. "I've been a huge fan for many, many years, and he puts on one hell of a show. His live performances just keep getting better and better."

While the 19th edition of the Vibes does have an impressive lineup, Hays said he still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

"Keep in mind that this is just our initial announcement," he said. "We still have a couple of headlining positions to announce."